The Ashes series is continuing to keep us all entertained. The 5th day's play of the 2nd Test on July 1 was the most interesting.
Thoroughly enjoyed Ben Stokes' batting. He changed the dynamics of the play so much with aggressive batting. From sensing victory, Australia was struggling to get Stokes out of the way.
He smashed 9 sixers and 9 boundaries (that's 90 runs) on his way to 155. I thought we were going to see a repeat of his performance in 2019 when he dramatically turned the tables on Australia to pull off an unbelievable victory.
That was overshadowed by the controversial dismissal of England's Jonny Bairstow.
The last ball of the 51st over. Cameron Green bowled a bouncer that Bairstow ducked.
The ball was taken by the keeper Alex Carey, who then quickly threw the ball at the stumps.
Bairstow was outside the crease.
On hearing the stumps getting hit, Bairstow looked puzzled.
Australians appealed, which was sent to the TV umpire, who ruled Bairstow out.
This became an unfortunate controversial dismissal since Bairstow and his England teammates thought the ball was dead.
I saw a few replays and read the rules regarding when is the ball dead.
One of the basic rules is that the batter has to be always inside the crease unless s/he is convinced that the ball is not in play.
Rule 20 explains when is a ball dead and when is it alive.
One, the ball should have settled in the hands of the wicketkeeper or the bowler.
Two, the umpire at the bowler's end is convinced that the fielders and the two batters have ceased to consider that the ball is in play.
In this particular incident, Carey threw the ball in one action at the stumps. Clearly, there was no time gap between the ball landing in the gloves and him throwing at the stumps. The ball was in play.
Additionally, Bairstow had strayed outside the crease twice before. So, Carey's action wasn't unfair.
I know my British friends will be very upset. It was sad to see a few of the disappointed spectators letting things go out of hand and shouting quite unsporting comments at the Aussie players.
But here, I don't think there were two ways about it.
I would have really liked Ben Stokes to go on to get a double hundred and England valiantly chase down that target to pull off an amazing win.
Sadly, that was not to be.
I'm not a sports fan but am sorry for your disappointment. Be well!
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with you. Bairstow was out.
ReplyDeleteSounds exciting. And it sounds like the sort of controversy you'll be debating for years to come.
ReplyDeleteThere cab no two opinions after going through your clear analysis.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lesson in this episode batsmen should not stray outside the crease lackadaisically.
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteYou have provided the best explanation I've seen! It certainly caused a furore. I was in no doubt but could not have properly said why. Thanks 👍. YAM xx (who supports Australia but also the rules! And this post has appeared only a day late on my reader... )
Hi Pradeep - yes ... he was out. I'm enjoying the next one now ... we're still dropping catches ... ah well!! ... still it's fun listening to it - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI like how you described the action! It's sounds like it was an exciting game.
ReplyDeleteOh Pradeep, I'm late here, so I imagine it's all over. I'm sorriest about the unsporting comments you heard. That really isn't cricket at all, is it?
ReplyDeleteAustralia has behaved badly in the past with sandscriping a cricket ball, but on this occasion, perfectly fine behaviour. The English team has done the same in the past. Cricket England is now behaving badly.
ReplyDelete